Basic Equipment Needed for Rabbits
Before you bring your new pet home, you are going to need to get some supplies to help take care of the rabbit. In order to give your rabbit the best care you possible can give it, you are going to need to get these supplies before you get your rabbit and have them set up prior to bringing your new pet home. The major supplies you are going to need are a cage, food and water containers, food, and toys.
Cage: The cage is the most important thing you need, a rabbit needs to have a home where it can feel safe and secure and be safe from predators and burglars. The best kind of cage is all wire. Wooden cages may be warmer, but rabbits enjoy gnawing, especially on wood and may be able to gnaw their way out, or ingest enough wood chips to bring them harm. A wire cage will also last longer and be a better investment long term, even if they cost a little more. An all wire cage should have wire spacing of no more than 1 inch by 2 inch on the sides and top, and 1 inch by 1/2 inch on the bottom. The bottom wire should be with the 1/2 inch spacing on top, to help prevent sore hocks. 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch wire is occasionally used, but is not very good as the droppings do not fall through as easily. Having a cage with a wire floor keeps rabbits from sitting in their own manure. The wire floors are good for all but the Flemish Giants, who if kept in a wire floored cage, should be given a large resting board (see below). Click here to read more about housing
Food and Water Containers: Another very important piece of equipment needed is containers to keep food and water in. There are a large variety of these on the market, but only some are acceptable. Because rabbits can and will tip over bowls that are unsteady, only sturdy bowls can be used. I recommend using ceramic bowls for food year-round, and using ceramic water bowls in summer and unbreakable ceramic bowls, or large plastic crocks in the winter (because of freezing, if your rabbit is a house rabbit, use ceramic only). There is a better choice than bowls. J-Feeder, named because they form a "J" shape. This is a completely spill-proof bowl, which the owner is able to feed from the outside of the cage. For water, I recommend a water bottle for the summer. Because a water bottle freezes in the winter, either buy 2 per rabbit and rotate, or keep your rabbit in a heated room.
Food: It is really important to have your food prior to bringing your rabbit home, but when you get your rabbit, you are going to want to ask for a bag of what is currently being fed. This is especially important if the rabbit is young. Sudden changes in diet can result in death, so mixing the two feeds together and making the change gradual can save your rabbit.
Resting Board: Rabbits living on wire only cages need a board placed in the bottom of the cage to help prevent sore hocks, which is when the rabbit's fur is worn off the hind feet, and eventually they bleed and become very sore. The board should be large enough for the rabbit to sit comfortably on, but small enough that it is not going to catch manure and soil the rabbit. Be sure the resting board is made from non-toxic material just in case the rabbit decides it is a toy and tries to eat it!
Toys: Rabbits need toys to prevent boredom, which can lead to several problems. Rabbits are intelligent creatures and love to figure out fun "games" to play with their toys. You can buy special made rabbit toys from a pet store, or the pet section of a large store (such as Wal-Mart or Target). A second option is using common household objects, like empty toilet paper rolls, a cardboard box (this also makes a nice resting board until it is shredded!), even cat or baby toys that do not have parts that can be chewed off will be enjoyed! Just ensure that all toys are safe and don't have pieces that can be gnawed off and swallowed or you will have a big problem! Check the conditions of toys daily to be positive the rabbit isn't eating too much of it!
Litter Box: Although this is more likely needed if you are going to have a indoor rabbit, it is possible to use a litter box for a rabbit that lives out of doors. There are different options available, my favorite are the ones that attach to the side of a cage, making them untippable. I prefer the ones that attach to a corner, and have high walls preventing spraying from wild bucks, and digging the material out by does.
Harness and Leash: There are specially designed harnesses and leashes for rabbits of all sizes. It is also possible to use a harness for a small dog, or cat. A collar is not acceptable for use with a rabbits due to the possibility of choking.
Carrying and Transport Cages: There are also different possibilities for types of carrying cages. Carrying cages are crucial if you are going to show, but are very helpful to bring your new pet home, for emergency trips to the vet, or just to take your pet for a ride.
Grooming Tools: Basically you'll need a dog's guillotine style nail clippers and a water spritz bottle, like you use for watering plants. Click here for more information about grooming rabbits and the tools needed.
First Aid Supplies I hope to make an entire page on this topic soon, check back later!
Tattoo Kit: If you live in the United States, and plan to show, you will need a tattoo kit. More information coming soon!
